Subaru Advanced Tourer concept makes utility cool

While a car with Lamborghini-style doors in front, "suicide" doors in back, a glass roof and no B-pillar is probably not going straight to production, the Subaru Advanced Tourer concept does show a future direction for the brand.

"It's our way of showing we think there is a market in the future for a small, sporty wagon," spokesman Michael McHale said.

Though it looks larger on the Tokyo motor show stand, the concept is not as big as an Outback or Legacy wagon. Powering the concept is a downsized 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged hybrid boxer four.

That's a lot of powertrain componentry, we'd say. There is no such engine in the Subaru lineup at present.

The exterior lines certainly make this concept look exciting, and those lines could carry over to production someday, though Subaru says such a day is "somewhat off in the future."

Mark Vaughn
- After slumming in Europe five years covering F1 etc. Mark Vaughn interviewed with Autoweek at the 1989 Frankfurt motor show has been with us ever since because no one else will take him. Anyone?
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